Poll: Obama's leadership marks slide

Americans are giving President Barack Obama his lowest marks for leadership skills since he took office, with barely more than half of those surveyed for a new poll saying they see him as a “strong and decisive” leader.

The president’s ratings in the poll reflect a downward slide in how Americans regard his ability to lead since he took office. In April 2009, 73 percent of those surveyed by Gallup said Obama was a strong and decisive leader, while 25 percent said he wasn’t. A year ago, 60 percent were positive about his leadership, while 39 percent were negative.

The findings on the president’s leadership abilities are part of a broader poll that asked Americans about a string of characteristics often associated with presidents and other political leaders.

Obama got highest marks in the poll for being seen as “honest and trustworthy,” with 61 percent of those surveyed saying they see him that way. That includes 88 percent of Democrats, 36 percent of Republicans and 56 percent of independents.

Of those surveyed, 57 percent said Obama understands the problems that Americans face in their daily lives – about the same as the 56 percent rating he received a year ago, but down from 72 percent in April 2009. Ratings on whether Obama “shares your values” have shifted up a bit since last year, from 48 percent to 51 percent. But in 2009, six in 10 Americans said the same.

The president’s lowest ratings were for having a clear plan for solving the country’s problems – only 36 percent said he has one, while 60 percent said he didn’t. Among Democrats, 62 percent said he has a plan, while 13 percent of Republicans and 30 percent of independents said the same.